Politics in Islam (28): The Role of the Citizen—More Than Just Law-Abiding

In the modern world, the ideal citizen is often portrayed as one who simply obeys the law, pays taxes, and stays out of trouble. Western political philosophy reinforces this notion, where the state is the ultimate authority, and citizenship means aligning oneself with its ever-changing laws—regardless of their morality or consistency. But in Islam, the concept of a responsible citizen is far deeper, more engaged, and inseparably tied to a higher moral duty: commanding what is good, forbidding what is evil, and standing against oppression, even when the oppressor is the state itself.

This is not a call for chaos or anarchy, but rather for an active, moral society where both the people and the state are subject to divine law—not to the whims of rulers or shifting political ideologies. 

This distinction has become even more critical in an age where governments can rewrite laws overnight to suit their interests, as seen in the abrupt shifts in U.S. policies from one administration to another. The Gaza genocide has also exposed the brutal reality of modern nation-states: when the people stand up against oppression, the system responds with overwhelming force, crushing dissent and criminalizing resistance.

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From an Engaged Society to an Isolated Individual

Before colonialism, Muslim societies functioned with a deeply interconnected structure. The economy, social institutions, and governance were all intertwined in a way that empowered individuals and communities. The colonial powers understood that in order to impose the modern state, they had to dismantle this organic system. Through force, legislation, and economic manipulation, they replaced traditional Islamic institutions—including waqf (endowments), guilds, and self-sustaining communities—with a centralized authority that stripped people of their ability to operate independently.

The result? A world where the "good citizen" is no longer a guardian of justice but a passive observer of injustice—powerless against the state that governs every aspect of his life. 

Unlike in Islamic civilization, where the community provided a shield against tyranny, today’s citizen stands alone, fully exposed to state surveillance, financial control, and legal manipulation. A single government decision can freeze his bank accounts, erase his digital identity, and render him helpless with the push of a button.

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The Islamic Model: A Citizen Who Holds Power Accountable

In Islam, citizenship is not about blind obedience to the state; it is about upholding justice. The authority of the state is not absolute—it is conditional upon its adherence to divine law. This is why, throughout Islamic history, rulers were challenged when they strayed from justice. One of the most striking examples of this is when a Bedouin boldly confronted Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, saying, "If we see you deviate, we will straighten you with our swords." The people were not subjects to be ruled; they were the very foundation of governance, actively ensuring justice was upheld.

Contrast this with the modern Western model, where laws are dictated by those in power, often changing to suit their own interests. The citizen is expected to submit, even if the law is unjust. This is why, in times of crisis, governments can introduce mass surveillance, restrict freedoms, and silence opposition—all under the guise of "national security" or "public interest."

The Islamic model offers a different vision: one where society is bound together by strong communal ties, where justice is the responsibility of all, and where neither the state nor the citizen is above divine law. 

It is a model that was intentionally dismantled through colonialism but remains the key to restoring a just and independent society—one that does not merely obey, but commands what is right and stands against all forms of oppression.